Emotional intelligence has not been described in satisfactory Psychological
Educational terms. The concept emotional intelligence is accepted by social scientists
and is regarded as one of the intelligences of being human. Emotional intelligence can
be described as the ability to
• recognise and understand one's own emotions and to express it in an
acceptable way,
• to recognise and understand others' emotions and
• being able to motivate the self.
The aim of this study was to describe emotional intelligence in Psychological
Educational terms and to analyse the EQ profiles of adolescents who experience
emotional problems. An existing EQ instrument, the Q-Metrics Questionnaire, has been
adapted and implemented for this purpose.
The final conclusion is that adolescents who experience emotional problems, are
amongst other things depressed, aggressive and emotionally illiterate. The educational
psychologist can use the EQ instrument as a diagnostication instrument and can plan
therapy sessions according to these results.